Member News
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Member News
Taking the
next step
Ponca Tribe
breaks ground on
phase 2 of Prairie
Flower Casino
December 2022
Tribal News
December 2022
Ponca Tribe breaks ground on phase 2 of Casino construction
On Monday, October 31, 2022,
the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
broke ground on Phase 2 of
construction for Prairie Flower
Casino. The 60,000-square-foot
expansion will include more
gambling machines, dining, and
a sports book, creating an estimated 200 new jobs.
The ground breaking, held on
the 4th anniversary of the initial
grand opening of Prairie Flower
Casino, and the 32nd Anniversary of the reinstatement of the
Ponca Tribe, marks another step
in the long range vision of the
Tribe. During the first four years
of the Casino’s operation, the
Tribe has been able to reinvest
$28 million into three health
clinics, transportation, housing and cultural preservation,
expanding services for Tribal
citizens and members of other
federally recognized tribes in the
community.
The new expansion is set to open
in Summer of 2024.
On the cover: Shovels of earth are turned to break ground on phase 2 of Prairie Flower Casino.
December 2022
Culture
We’re planting seeds...
will you help them grow?
Become an instrumental part of the growth of the Ponca Tribe of
Nebraska Language Program! We have several upcoming openings for
positions teaching the Ponca language, and facilitating that education
process. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE FLUENT IN PONCA TO APPLY!
Successful candidates need only have the desire and dedication to learn,
as training will be provided. The Tribe will soon be hiring the following
positions: Language Instructors (4), Language Coordinator, Culture
Multimedia Specialist
Look for these jobs to be posted on the PTN website at https://www.
poncatribe-ne.org/careers/ in the near future. Please contact Culture
Director Ricky Wright with any questions at 402.371.8834 or rwrightjr@
poncatribe-ne.org.
Ponca
Language
1
Virtual Beginners Class
Mondays & Wednesdays | 5:30-7:40 pm
Starting January 17
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska member and Tribal Council
representative Angie Starkel will be teaching a 16
week Ponca Language class at Nebraska Indian
Community College, starting January 17.
Classes are virtual, using Microsoft Teams, and
meet Mondays & Wednesdays from 5:30-7:40 pm.
Ponca Language 1 is a 4 credit hour course, and
tuition is only $1/credit hour! Students will receive
a final grade cash bonus.
For more information, please contact Angie Starkel
at 402.922.0436. To register for the course, please
visit https://www.thenicc.edu/admissions/
applicant-information.php
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Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
1
Tribal News
December 2022
Ponca Tribe hosts Halloween events for members
The Ponca Tribe hosted a variety of family fun get togethers for members in October. Here are some highlights from those events. More photos can be found on the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Facebook Page.
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Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
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December 2022
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Tribal News
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
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Tribal News
December 2022
Congratulations to the D2 Virtual Costume Contest Winners!
Cutest:
1st - Amaia Cantu
2nd - Samara Crawford
Scariest:
1st - Hunter Svagera
2nd - Cristian Villagas
Funniest:
1st - Ashleigh Pojar
2nd - Leighton Pojar
Creative:
1st - Jennifer Crone
2nd - Travis Cantu
Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest
District 2 members nationwide are invited to have a doggone good time with our
very first Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest! Members of all ages are invited to don
their ugly sweaters, take some photos, and join in the fun!
Prizes: 1st Place - $100, 2nd Place - $50, 3rd Place - $25
Please submit an individual picture (no group photos will be accepted) and
include first and last name, contact phone number and full address. All entries
MUST be submitted NO LATER THAN December 26, 2022. If all your information
is not included, your entry will not be included in the contest. Winners will
be announced on January 3, 2023. The winner will be announced online, and
contacted directly.
Please submit photos and information to D2UglySweater@poncatribe-ne.org.
For questions, contact Becci Sullivan at 531.222.4471.
All submissions will be featured on PTN social media, and winners will be featured
in the February newsletter. By submitting your picture and information, you agree
to allow us to post your pictures.
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Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
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December 2022
Tribal News
Elders dress up, get spooky at Elders Halloween parties
Elders Christmas Parties
Elders are invited to join our Community Health Workers in each location from
12-2 pm for holiday food, fun, and fellowship. Enjoy holiday games, and wear
your ugliest sweater for the Ugly Sweater Contest! Prizes will be awarded.
Lincoln: December 19
Omaha: December 20
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Sioux City: December 21
Norfolk: December 22
Niobrara: December 22
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
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Domestic Violence
December 2022
How to help victims and survivors this holiday season
Andrea Womaque
Trauma Informed Care Specialist
community members, and tribal
members, the greatest gift we can
give to our loved ones this season,
who are either currently experiencing violence or abuse or who have
suffered violence and abuse in the
past, is to be available, supportive,
and encouraging.
Victims and survivors do have
power, but often times they may
need help from their friends, family, and the community to use that
power. Often, victims and survivors feel so much pressure to make
things go well during the Holiday season that they are unlikely
to communicate their thoughts,
feelings, and needs. In our role as
elders, parents, siblings, friends,
Love. Tell your family and friends
that you love them. Remind them
often.
We can also help friends and family members support victims and
survivors with resources and referDecember has arrived and we are
rals. Please reach out to us with
now in the thick of Holiday Seaany questions and we will guide
son. In fact, it is very unlikely that
you in the right direction. We can
we will be able to go anywhere in
also help connect members with
public without being subjected to
other Ponca Tribe programs to
a never-ending loop of Holiday
make this Holiday Season a joyful
tunes. December often comes in
Here are some tips to keep in mind
one. Please Call.
just like a blizzard. For some of
over the Holidays on how to be
us, it is as if we are sucked into a
a positive support for friends or
Norfolk:
flurry of activity, chaos, and holifamily that have experienced abuse 1800 Syracuse Ave.
day themed string lights. It can be or violence or who are currently
Norfolk, NE. 68701
a tangled but quite enjoyable mess. experiencing abuse or violence.
Thomas Wright II
On the other hand, blizzards also
Listen. Allow them to fully tell
Domestic Violence
bring a sense of renewal and retheir story. Believe what they
Program Coordinator
plenishment, and force us to slow
are saying to you because this is
Office: 402.371.8834 ext. 105
down. While we wait for the bliz- their experience and it is very real Mobile 402.266.1652
zard to pass, safe from the whirling to them. Remember, people can
Omaha:
wind and activity, we can reconexperience symptoms from trauma
Fred LeRoy Center
nect with family and friends, plan as if it has just occurred, even if
2602 J Street
some “lazy time” for ourselves,
in reality the experience occurred
Omaha, NE. 68107
cook and eat hearty meals, and
years ago.
start setting goals or making plans
Ralston Transit Bldg:
Do not judge friends or family for
for spring.
5701 S. 85th Circle
what has happened or is happening
Ralston, NE. 68127
Unfortunately, blizzards can also
to them. Encourage treatment and
be destructive and frightening.
services.
Ralston:
They can make us feel tremendous
5805 S. 86th Circle
fear and leave us feeling powerless Ask friends and family members
Ralston, NE. 68127
to protect ourselves and our fami- how you can help. Offering to
lies. This is exactly what December babysit or even do laundry can al- Marian Harris
low a victim or survivor to attend DV Outreach Coordinator
can feel like to victims and surviappointments or seek out services
mharris@poncatribe-ne.org
vors of domestic violence, sexual
that
will
allow
them
to
get
out
of
Office: 402.315.2760
assault, elder abuse and human
abusive or violent situations.
Mobile: 402.750.9296
trafficking.
6
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
If you or someone you know has
experienced or is experiencing
abuse or violence due to domestic
violence, sexual assault, stalking,
human trafficking, or elder abuse,
please reach out to The Ponca
Tribe of Nebraska for assistance.
Cheyenne Moore
Domestic Violence
Case Manager
cmoore@poncatribe-ne.org
Office: 402.734.5275
Direct: 402.738.3182
Mobile: 402.992.6836
continued on next page
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December 2022
Domestic Violence
HELPING: Ponca Tribe DV staff are here to help at anytime
Andrea Womacque
Trauma Informed Care Specialist
awomacque@poncatribe-ne.org
Office: 402.315.2760
Mobile: 402.690.4204
Shea O’Brien MA LMHP
Domestic Violence
Case Manager
sobrien@poncatribe-ne.org
Office: 531.248.3030 ext. 1109
Cell: 402.937.3074
Lincoln Office:
1600 Windhoek Dr.
Lincoln, NE. 68512
Sioux City Office:
125 6th St.
Sioux City, IA. 51103
Julie Flynn
Elder Abuse Case Manager
jflynn@poncatirbe-ne.org
Office: 531.248.3030 ext. 1152
Adrianna Buffalo Chief Hoffman
Human Trafficking Program
Coordinator
abuffalochiefhoffman@
poncatribe-ne.org
continued from previous page
Office: 712.258.0500
Cell: 402.943.6291
Chris Denny
Domestic Violence
Case Manager
cdenny@poncatribe-ne.org
Office: 712.258.0500
Cell: 402.681.6414
Toby Doucette
Trauma Informed Care Specialist
jdoucette@poncatribe-ne.org
Office: 712.258.0500
Cell: 402.860.5839
Calling all Ponca Veterans!
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Tribal Historic Preservation
Officer (THPO) is working to create a comprehensive list of all
Ponca veterans for present and future recognition of service.
As such, the THPO is respectfully requesting members who
are veterans, or those who have family that have served, help
provide information, including:
• Branch of service
• Wars served
• Dates served
• Photographs
• Details or a story from
that service
This information will be featured on a veterans honor wall in
the Ponca Tribe Museum, and will be used to honor veterans at
events, memorials, etc.
To submit veteran information,
please contact Stacy Laravie, THPO
via email (ssettje@poncatribe-ne.org)
or via mail:
Stacy Laravie, THPO
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
88915 521 Avenue
Niobrara, NE 68760
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Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
7
Tribal News
December 2022
District 3 holds beginning sewing classes
District 3 members are
getting the chance to learn
to sew regalia. Ponca
member Theresa Foley
has been teaching sewing
members of all ages how
to create applique designs
and sew ribbon skirts.
Look for more information on future District 3
sewing circle dates!
Free assistance to Ponca member
owned businesses to help you
compete for government contracts!
Do you own a business?
Would you be interested in developing your
business through government contracting?
District 1
Ponca Families
Holiday Potluck
• Assisting your business with all necessary
registrations for government contracting
• Identifying and applying for special government
contracting certification programs that leverage your
business’s minority owned status
December 10, 2022 | Noon-2 pm
• Marketing your business to government agencies
and prime contractors
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Headquarters
2523 Woodbine Street | Niobrara, NE
• Locating contract opportunities that are suited for
your business
December 11, 2022 | Noon-2 pm
• Assisting you to write bid proposals
District 1 Ponca families are invited to a holiday
potluck. Turkey and ham will be provided for the main
dish, along with beverages. Members are asked to
bring a side dish or dessert. There will be games and
activities for the kids.
To learn more, visit our website at
www.pedcoptac.org. Sign up at the website for
client services, or contact Darren Osborne
(Program Manager) for more information. Darren can
be reached by phone at 712.308.1366 or by email at
dosborne@pedcoptac.org.
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Offices
125 6th Street | Sioux City, IA
For more information, please contact
District 1 Council Representatives
JoAn Schlotman,
712.276.7103 or
Angie Starkel,
402.922.0436.
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PEDCO PTAC can help—by offering completely free
of charge procurement counseling that will help your
business to succeed in the government marketplace!
Our services include (and are not limited to):
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
• And much, much more!
pethábthin
December 2022
Diabetes
Diabetes program presents
for World Diabetes Day
Monday, November 14th
was World Diabetes Day!
Participants in each office
location dressed their best
in blue and enjoyed a pre-
sentation about diabetes.
Prizes were awarded to
participants wearing the
most blue to raise awareness about diabetes.
Attention Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members: You can access Tribal Council minutes on the
tribe’s website at https://www.poncatribe-ne.org/tribal-documents/council-minutes-agendas/
(note that you must register and be logged in). These are updated as soon as approved minutes
are distributed.
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Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
9
Environmental
December 2022
THPO works with team assessing cultural impact of highway widening
On October 25, a team of
archeologists met with Tribal
Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) Stacy Laravie
and Environmental Manager
Misha Mazurkewycz. The
team is working along Hwy
12 near Verdel, Nebraska, as
they are considering moving
and enlarging the highway.
These archeologists have
consulted with our THPO
and are doing spot sampling
along a potential new route
to determine if it would impact any sites for the Tribe.
Along this cooridor it is vital
to do such surveys when
any roadway is being done,
and along Hwy 12, there are
many cultural resources. Stacy, as THPO, works alongside these surveys to ensure
Ponca lands and ancestors
are protected. This survey is
a phase two survey, which
involves dig pits.
Sampling done to check mercury levels in fish in Niobrara area
On October 25, 2022,
the EPA conducted fish
sampling to test if the
fish around the Tribe’s
land contained mercury.
If humans consume fish
with high concentrations
of mercury, it can cause
harmful effects to the
brain and kidneys. In past
testing, mercury was not
detected in any fish, but
checks are done yearly
to ensure that there is no
To test the fish, an elecchange.
tric shocker is used to
stun the fish, which are
then caught in nets, and
placed in a bucket with
an air bubbler until they
are weighed, measured,
and using a punch device,
a small piece of the skin
and meat of the fish is
taken, for sampling. This
is only done to larger,
predatorial fish because
they accumulate more
mercury. The fish are
then released back into
the river. The samples
taken are sent to the lab,
with results being available in about a month.
Region 7 and 8 Tribes collaborate on environmental issues
October 18-20, Region 7
Tribes, Region 8 Tribes,
and EPA representatives
gathered at the Regional
Tribal Operations Committee meeting at Haskell
Indian Nations University.
Each region presented
work on topics ranging
from clean water, drones,
food sovereignty, pesticides, climate change, and
solid waste. This event
10
also featured a Memorandum of Understanding
signing between the EPA
and Haskell University to
work together in assisting Haskell students in
getting involved in EPA
work. This collaboration was a first for this
region. Around 35 tribes
participated in person and
virtually.
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
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December 2022
Tribal News
Great Pumpkin winners
Youth:
1st-Kamron Grant
2nd-Bella Wright
3rd-Laila Chamberlain
Adult:
1st-Rebecca Wright
2nd-Myron Grant
3rd-Ezron Grant
Attention All AVT/HIED
Students Nationwide:
Please remember to submit your official
transcripts after EACH term funded in order to
be eligible to receive future funding. Students
must apply each school year.
Spring 2023 deadline: December 15, 2022
Summer 2023 deadline: May 15, 2022
The Ponca Educational Trust Fund is available
nationwide to students who enroll at one of
the University of Nebraska Campuses/Online
Courses: Lincoln ~ Omaha ~ Kearney (Must
be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per
semester to be eligible)
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Attention All K-12 YIP Students Nationwide:
• High School Seniors for the 2021-2022 school year are eligible to receive a
$500.00 Graduation Incentive!
• Our department is accepting projects for incentives in the following areas: Art,
Essay/Poetry, and Student of the Month. *Winners may receive $100.00 for
1st place, $50.00 for 2nd place, and $25.00 for 3rd place. Grade divisions are as
follows: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), and High School (9-12)
• Perfect Attendance $100.00 (0-.49 days of absenteeism), $50.00 (.5-3.49 days
absenteeism), and $25.00 (3.5-5.49 days of absenteeism).
Deadline to apply for the 2022-2023 school year is July 31, 2023.
All Education Department Applications and Program Information are available
online on our tribal website. If you have any questions for the education
department, please feel free to contact Aubrey Knudsen @ office (402)3718834, work cell (402)844-0957, or aknudsen@poncatribe-ne.org. *Ponca tribal
enrollment is required for ALL education programs*
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
11
Tribal News
12
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
December 2022
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December 2022
Enrollment
Change of Address Form
Mail to: PTN Enrollment Dept PO Box 288 Niobrara, NE 68760 Fax: 402-857-3771
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD MUST BE AN ENROLLED PONCA TRIBE MEMBER
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
OTHER ENROLLED PONCA TRIBE MEMBERS IN HOUSEHOLD:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
PREVIOUS ADDRESS: (Street/P.O. Box, Apt #, City, State, Zip, County)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW ADDRESS: (Street/P.O. Box, Apt #, City, State, Zip, County)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER:_______________________________________________________________
ALTERNATE/CELL NUMBER:______________________________________________________
E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________________
DATE NEW ADDRESS IN EFFECT:__________________________________________________________________________
To provide better services to Ponca tribal members, this information will be shared
with all PTON Departments as needed. Any service may be suspended until this
information is corrected and/or updated.
_______________________________________
SIGNATURE REQUIRED
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Approved: 10/18/2008
_______________________________
DATE
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
13
Enrollment
December 2022
(Please sign your name in the area below with a BLACK felt tip marker)
I
I
TRIBAL MEMBERS
(please print)
NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________
ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________PHONE:______________________
I DO YOU WANT YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________
If yes, please check one of the following: Full SS number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____
I
By marking Yes you understand it is your responsibility to keep your SSN confidential and acknowledge
that the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is not responsible if the card is lost or stolen.
TRIBAL MEMBERS
(pleaseON
print)
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BLOOD QUANTUM
YOUR ID? YES_____OR NO_____
***Don't forget to include
your picture!
FOR A PHOTO
ID PLEASE SIGN AND FILL OUT THIS PAGE.
NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________
DON’T FORGET TO SEND (EMAIL) YOUR PICTURE AS WELL
Photo ID Instructions
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________
1. Signature
Please completely fill in the information on the bottom of the signature page. With a black felt tip marker
____________________________________________________________________________
please sign your name in the middle of the top of the signature page. (Please note that children do not require
a signature
for theirs.)
DO
YOU WANT
YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD? YES_________OR NO_________
If
please
check
one of
of the
the following
following:must
Full be
SSsubmitted:
number_____ or Last 4 digits only_____
2. yes,
Clear
readable
copies
a: State Driver’s License, State ID Card or other
valid MEMBERS
Picture ID card
TRIBAL
must have
and signature
onresponsibility
it) (please print)
By(Itmarking
Yesyour
youpicture
understand
it is your
to keep your SSN confidential and acknowledge
thatb:the
Ponca
Tribe
Nebraska
is notofresponsible
if thebut
cardyour
is lost
oris,stolen.
If you
are not
anof
enrolled
member
the Ponca Tribe,
child
you must still submit a copy of your
State Driver’s License, State ID Card or other valid Picture ID and a copy of your child(s) Social Security Card
and Tribal Enrollment Card for proof of enrollment.
NAME:_________________________________________DOB:_________________________
3. Photo Options:
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________
You can email a current photo (without filters) to - enrollment@poncatribe-ne.org
OR
You may mail documentation and your
____________________________________________________________________________
current photo to:
CERTIFICATE
CARDS
DOPonca
YOUTribe
WANT
YOUR SS NUMBER ON YOUR ID CARD?
YES_________OR
NO_________
of Nebraska
Certificate cards, or non photo IDs are available upon
Enrollment
Department
If yes,
please check
one of the following: Full SS number_____
orThis
Lastform
4 digits
only_____
request.
is not
required for certificate cards.
PO Box 288
Pleases contact the enrollment department if you
like your
an enrollment
card without
picture.
ByNiobrara,
marking NE
Yes68760-0288
you understand it is your responsibilitywould
to keep
SSN confidential
anda acknowledge
that the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is not responsible if the card is lost or stolen.
14
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
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December 2022
Member’s Corner
MEMBERS NEEDED
TAX COMMISSION:
The Ponca Tax Commission is charged with the administration and enforcement of all Tribal tax laws. Commissioners
are paid a $250.00 stipend per meeting plus mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles roundtrip. Please submit a letter of
interest and resume to apply. Deadline for Applications is February 1, 2023
LAW & ORDER CODE REVISION COMMITTEE:
There will be an upcoming vacancy for a tribal member. The responsibilities of the Law & Order Committee are to review
the Law & Order Code and recommend changes to the Tribal Council. A $250 stipend is paid plus mileage reimbursement
up to 410 miles roundtrip. Deadline for Applications is February 1, 2023.
ELECTION BOARD:
The Tribal Council is accepting applications for District 2 and District 4, for the Election Board due to terms expiring.
Members are paid $250 per meeting and mileage will be paid for a maximum of 410 miles round trip at the federal
government approved rate. Most meetings are held in Niobrara, Nebraska.
To be qualified to be appointed to the Election Board, a person shall:
1. Be an enrolled member of the Tribe
2. Be a resident of the voting district from which they are appointed.
3. Be eligible to vote in the election for which they will serve as an Election Board Member; and
4. If convicted of a felony, have completed his sentence requirements, including any parole, at least two (2) years prior to
appointment.
No individuals shall be permitted to sit as an Election Board member who:
1. Has been convicted of a crime involving the theft of funds or property of the Tribe in any court of any jurisdiction
regardless of any pardon or restoration of civil rights for said offense.
2. Currently holds elective office in the Tribe.
3. Is or plans to be a candidate in any election during his or her term.
4. Has an immediate family member who is currently a member of the Tribal Council, or who is or plans to be a candidate
in any election during his or her term
5. No Ponca Tribe of Nebraska employees may serve on the Election Board per the PTN Employee Handbook.
If you are interested in serving please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to the Tribal Council, Attn: Candace
Repenning, P.O. Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or by e-mail crepenning@poncatribe-ne.org. A background check is required.
OSNI PONCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Tribal Council is accepting applications for the Osni Ponca Board of Directors. The purpose of Osni Ponca LLC is
to engage in economic development activities for the benefit of the Tribe and its members. This Board manages the
activities and affairs of Osni Ponca. No member of the Tribal Council, employee of the Tribe or any entities thereof, shall
serve on this Board. The Board members must have the following minimum qualifications: 1) Be at least twenty-five (25)
years of age; 2) either (a) possess a Bachelor’s Degree in business or a related field, or (b) possess a high school diploma
(or GED) and have at least five (5) years of business, financial, legal government contracting, tribal government or industry
experience; 3) have no felony convictions; and 4) submit to a background investigation which yields no results showing
convictions involving tax evasion, tax fraud, embezzlement or moral turpitude. Applications will be accepted from Tribal
and non-tribal members. A $250 stipend per meeting is paid as well as mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles roundtrip.
Applicants must submit a letter of interest and current resume to the Tribal Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P.O. Box
288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or by e-mail to crepenning@poncatribe-ne.org. A background check is required. Deadline for
application is February 1, 2023.
agthín sáton
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
15
Member’s Corner
December 2022
Ponca Storyteller’s Corner
Is there anyone out there who doesn’t have a story, or a few, that means the world to them?
Stories contain worlds, convey knowledge, shape identity, live in the best parts of our hearts and memories.
Without them, the world would be drab, colorless. Without them, we might wind up forgetting everything we
most want to remember.
As Ponca People and as Natives, stories are particularly important to us. For thousands of years, we were an
oral culture, meaning the spoken word and storytelling were among the primary ways we transmitted what we
knew from generation to generation, how essential things and just lovely things moved through families, clans,
and societies. Recently, as we all know, we Poncas have made our way through a kind of apocalypse. It has
been difficult, tough, tragic. But we are still here and we are rebuilding, regenerating, and our story as a tribe
continues. Guided by our ancestors, we persevere and go forward.
And we Ponca People still have plenty of stories—baskets, pickup trucks, and houses just full of them. They
make us laugh, they make us cry, they make us who we are. We remember them from long ago when we were
kids, and we remember them from yesterday. We tell them around the fire, and we tell shortened versions of
them in our Facebook comments. They’re treasures; sacred, precious family belongings. But they’re also jokes,
lessons, cultural history, and dreams. Aren’t they the best? Isn’t it awesome that as Ponca People we still have
such a beautiful mountain of stories standing at the center of who we are as a people and as a tribe?
In this column, which I’m calling the Ponca Storytellers Corner, I’m aiming to create a place in our monthly
newsletter where us Ponca can share our stories—any of them that come to mind—that are meaningful or
educational to us, that need sharing or might be inspiring. My hope is that this column feeds our growth, feeds
our journey, feeds our soul, because isn’t that what a good story does anyway?
If you have a story you’d like to share in the Ponca Storytellers Corner, email it to cliffponca@gmail.com and
jhitchcock@poncatribe-ne.org. We are richer as individuals and as a people when we share the stories we have
to tell. Let’s make each other rich again as Poncas with the stories we carry.
Weblaho, Cliff Taylor
THANK YOU!
I would sincerely like to THANK everyone who
supported and voted for me during the Tribal
elections. I look forward to running again during
the next election and will genuinely appreciate
your support and votes again.
-Sincerely, Beth Branstiter
Interested in Ponca Language classes?
Classes stream live at https://call.lifesizecloud.
com/13507809. Additionally, a playlist of previous
language classes can be found on the Ponca Tribe
of Nebraska YouTube channel.
For more information, please contact Ricky
Wright, Culture Director, at rwrightjr@poncatribene.org, or 402.371.8834, ext. 120.
16
Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
Elder’s Committee
Meeting
December 5 | 10 am
Ponca Tribe Offices
Niobrara, NE
January 9, 2023 | 10 am
Ralston Admin Building
Omaha, NE
agthín shápe
December 2022
Member’s Corner
Janet Lee Velasquez Saiz
Janet Lee Velasquez Saiz was a woman of tremendous drive, energy, charisma and
courage. At every venue she attended, she took center stage. At powwows held in
Wisconsin she was often the head woman dancer, and in her sixties she was a featured
dancer at a powwow held in Germany. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1938 and
is the daughter of Gavino and Ga-thay-dash-tway, Clara Peniska Velasquez, a prominent
Northern Ponca elder and storyteller.
Janet attended public school in Omaha where she excelled in numerous subjects, such
as art (drawing especially) dance, choir, theatre, and girls’ varsity sports. Later, after she
married and had children, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she
earned honors as a history major by making the Dean’s List.
Janet was courageous. She was a social and political trendsetter and tireless leader. At
Madison, she was a leader in the American Indian student organization Wunk Shek, and
later, as a corporate manager for AT&T and one of the few minority women in positions of power, she was a member of the
National Organization for Women, one of the leading figures for Wisconsin’s Women of Color, and an influential supporter
of La Raza Unida in its campaign for Latino migrant workers’ rights.
Janet is survived by her sisters Marguerite and Katherine, as well as her ex-husband Prospero. She is also the mother
of four sons: Sean, Augustine, Michael, and Peter. Her beloved grandchildren are Gabriel, Jorge, Isabella, Antonio,
Christopher, Katherine, Emma, and Augustine Jr. All have excelled in their respective professions due to her sacrifices,
nurturing, and being a role model. In addition to teaching her sons and grandchildren the value of education and hard
work, she taught them to cherish their heritage as Northern Poncas. She passed on her knowledge of Ponca traditions,
wisdom, history, and culture to them. She was a proud Ponca who loved her life as an Indian woman and as a political
leader, a successful businesswoman, elder, mother, and grandmother, and she wanted to be reunited with her traditions
and return here to Niobrara her homeland for her final journey accompanied by her family and friends under the auspices of
Ponca rituals.
PEDCO/PONCA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD
There will be one position open due to a term expiring. Applications are now being accepted. The general mission of the
Corporation is: a) to assist the members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to become more employable, including through
technical assistance, training, and development of skills; b) to increase members marketable employment and business
skills and proficiency in order for them to achieve better employment and economic opportunities; c) to assist members
with establishing, developing, and growing their own businesses and increasing their business opportunities, including
through loan and other funding programs as well as the provision of technical assistance and training for business; and d) to
otherwise improve and increase the economic well-being of the members and community of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
as a whole. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Ponca Economic Development Corporation and the
Bylaws are on the website www.poncatribe-ne.org for your viewing or a copy can be e-mailed to you if requested.
The management and affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in a Board of Directors to carry out the purposes of the
Corporation. To be eligible for appointment as a Director an individual:
a. Need not be a resident living on Tribal lands or within the territory of the Tribe.
b. Must meet all requirements set forth in the Business Entities Code and any other law of the Tribe applicable to the
Corporation; and
c. Must meet any other standards or requirements which the Member’s Representatives may from time to time require.
A $250 stipend per meeting is paid as well as mileage reimbursement up to 410 miles roundtrip. Applicants must submit
letter of interest and current resume to the Tribal Council, Attn: Candace Repenning, P.O. Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68760 or by
e-mail crepenning@poncatribe-ne.org. A background check is required. Deadline for applications is February 1, 2023.
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Ponca Tribe OFNebraska
17
P.O. Box 288
Niobrara, NE 68760
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Office Locations
NIOBRARA 68760
Headquarters
2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288
Ph: (402) 857-3391
Fax: (402) 857-3736
Enrollment
2523 Woodbine St., P.O. Box 288
Ph: (402) 857-3391
Fax: (402) 857-3771
Cultural
P.O. Box 288
Ph: (402) 857-3519
Fax: (402) 857-3652
Ponca Hills Clinic
Ph: (402) 371-8780
(402) 371-5726
Fax: (402) 379-4291 - Pharmacy
(402) 379-4293 - Registration
(402) 371-4094 - Medical Lab
Administration
125 6th Street
Ph: (712) 258-0500
Fax: (712) 258-0762
OTHER RESOURCES
Ponca Express Child Abuse Hotline
Ph: 877-769-3111
800-652-1999 (Nebraska)
800-362-2178 (Iowa)
Northern Ponca Housing Authority
877-244-0864 (South Dakota)
1501 Michigan Ave.
Ph: (402) 379-8224
National Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 367-2320
800-422-4453
Fax: (402) 379-8557
Purchased/Referred Care
Ph: (800) 405-0365
Administration
Fax: (402) 371-0176
1701 E Street
Ph: (402) 438-9222
OMAHA 68107
Fax: (402) 438-9226
Fred LeRoy Health & Wellness Clinic
Ponca Health Services-Lincoln
2602 “J” Street
1600 Windhoek Dr, 68512
Ph: (402) 733-3612
Ph: (531) 248-3030
Fax: (402) 733-3487
Osni Ponca
2756 O Street
Administration
Ph: (402) 434-2127
5805 South 86th Circle, 68127
Fax: (402) 434-2128
Ph: (402) 315-2760
LINCOLN 68508
SIOUX CITY 51103
National Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
National Human Trafficking Hotline
888-373-7888
National Problem Gambling Helpline
800-522-4700
Elder Abuse Hotline
800-252-8966
NORFOLK 68701
Dental Boys Town Crisis Line
2602 “J” Street
800-448-3000
Ph: (402) 733-1325
Fax: (402) 733-3487
Drug Treatment & Referral Hotline
877-726-4727
Northern Ponca Housing Authority
Gym Building
10635 Birch., 68134
Nebraska Family Helpline
1800 Syracuse Ave.
Ph: (402) 505-3055
888-866-8660
Ph: (402) 371-8834
Fax: (402) 505-3066
Fax: (402) 379-0988
Veterans Crisis Line
800-273-8255
Administration Building
1800 Syracuse Ave.
Ph: (402) 371-8834
Fax: (402) 371-7564
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Newsletter is published monthly and printed by Printco Graphics, Omaha, Nebraska. ahgthee dubah
Deadline for submissions is the 1st of each month. In the event the 1st falls on a weekend, submissions are due the Friday before.
All submissions of a political nature are subject to Tribal Council approval. Send to Jessica Hitchcock, jhitchcock@poncatribe-ne.org.
See or print the newsletter archives in full color on the member’s side (you must log in) of the web site at: www.poncatribe-ne.org
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.